The following post is written by Steady Mom's monthly contributor, Angie.
Growing up we had a fierce tradition--it was
never to be broken, for my siblings and I looked forward to it with much
anticipation.
We always got our Christmas tree and decorated for the holidays the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Sure it was
still November, but it was just the way we did it. It suited our family just
fine.
Then I got married.
As it turns out, much to my dismay, not every family puts their tree up the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In fact,
there are some families who get to it
when they get to it.
I gasped at the thought! It marked the true beginning
of the season for us, and those memories were made for 21 years strong.
That first
Christmas as a married couple, my husband and I didn't see eye to eye.
In fact
bright and early the morning of the Saturday
after Thanksgiving I awoke excited and filled with anticipation. Our first
tree! Turns out my beloved new husband had no intentions of getting said tree
that day.
My heart was broken.
Interestingly enough, to this day I can't
remember exactly what day we ended up getting our tiny little tree--because in
the end it really didn't matter. We decorated with the ornaments we could
afford, our pug danced around in reindeer antlers, we laughed and we loved.
Traditions are vital--they are a part of the fabric of our families.
But we
must remember to be flexible, and to be open to new and exciting opportunities
to create our own moments that will matter years down the road.
Now, six years later
our little family has become 'one of those' who get to it when we get to it.
I know, I know - you wouldn't think
it if you'd seen me December of '03.
The years--and the children, the
little arguments--and the apologies, and all the love have taught me that what matters are the memories we make together--not the day of the week, or the height of
the tree.
I hope you are finding joy in the season, being flexible, and loving on those
who mean most to you.
**Are there any traditions you've let go or altered since starting your own family?**
